Computers

ExoPC Slate - the new Windows multi-touch tablet

ExoPC Slate - the new Windows multi-touch tablet
The Slate runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium with an ExoPC user interface layer over top
The Slate runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium with an ExoPC user interface layer over top
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The Slate's Intel GMA500 graphics with BROADCOM Chrystal HD 1080p should provide a pleasant multimedia experience
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The Slate's Intel GMA500 graphics with BROADCOM Chrystal HD 1080p should provide a pleasant multimedia experience
The Slate runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium with an ExoPC user interface layer over top
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The Slate runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium with an ExoPC user interface layer over top
Surfing the internet thanks to 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity
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Surfing the internet thanks to 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity
Inside the Slate - an Intel Atom 1.66 GHz Pineview-M N450 processor supported by 2GB of DDR2 memory
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Inside the Slate - an Intel Atom 1.66 GHz Pineview-M N450 processor supported by 2GB of DDR2 memory
The Slate has an 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 pressure sensitive, capacitive multi-touch display with accelerometer and ambient light sensor
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The Slate has an 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 pressure sensitive, capacitive multi-touch display with accelerometer and ambient light sensor
The Slate comes with a couple of USB 2.0 ports and HDMI-out, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a couple of 1.5W speakers
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The Slate comes with a couple of USB 2.0 ports and HDMI-out, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a couple of 1.5W speakers
Whether reading, playing or working, the Slate can take it all in its stride
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Whether reading, playing or working, the Slate can take it all in its stride
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ExoPC has developed a Windows-based tablet PC which is larger and more powerful than an iPad, is WiFi-enabled and supports Flash. The Slate will be available with 32GB and 64GB SSD storage, benefit from 2GB of memory and has a built-in webcam... but will this be enough to make it a serious contender in the emerging tablet computer market?

In the run up to, and subsequent release of Apple's iPad, it was clear that the tablet was going to impact on the way we use portable computers. But now that the baying has died down a little, a fair proportion of us are left wanting a little more from the iPad than it can give us.

Few will argue that the iPad, like many other Apple products, is utterly gorgeous and easy to use. However, its 1GHz processor, reported wireless connectivity problems, puny RAM, lack of camera and lack of Flash might lead you to wonder what else is out there.

Whether reading, playing or working, the Slate can take it all in its stride
Whether reading, playing or working, the Slate can take it all in its stride

One contender for the tablet crown could well be the soon-to-be-released Slate from ExoPC. The machine is powered by an Intel Atom 1.66 GHz Pineview-M N450 processor, supported by 2GB of DDR2 memory. Its 11.6 inch 1366 x 768 pressure sensitive, capacitive multi-touch display with accelerometer and ambient light sensor may well cast the iPad into shadow, while its Intel GMA500 graphics with BROADCOM Chrystal HD 1080p should provide a pleasant multimedia experience.

The half-inch-thick Slate runs Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium with an ExoPC user interface layer over top, meaning that it'll run Flash content. The onscreen keyboard's "stroboscopic effect" is promised to help reduce typing errors. The tablet computer comes with a couple of USB 2.0 ports and HDMI-out, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a couple of 1.5W speakers. Wireless connectivity is catered to with 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1, plus there's also an SD/SDHC card reader.

The Slate comes with a couple of USB 2.0 ports and HDMI-out, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a couple of 1.5W speakers
The Slate comes with a couple of USB 2.0 ports and HDMI-out, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a couple of 1.5W speakers

The Slate is penciled in for a September release, at US$599 for the 32GB model. It's a little heavier than an iPad (at just over 2 pounds) and the battery life of just five hours is a little disappointing, but it's bigger, more powerful and brings a few new tricks to the table.

Should you happen to be in Taipei next month visiting Computex, be sure to let us know whether the Slate lives up to its manufacturers' claims.

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4 comments
4 comments
Invid
GMA500, pass.
Worst supported video device I\'ve ever had (there is one in my t91), I think because they licenced the core.
As far as I can see Imagination Technologies developed the core, so Intel don\'t want to build updated drivers, and (in my case) Asus buy the chips from Intel, so they clearly can\'t be bothered developing drivers. Intel\'s dev drivers are great (support OGL2 ect) but niether Intel nor Asus seem to be bothered releasing a propper distibution (the dev drivers tend not to have full functionallity. eg you may not be able to use a second monitor)

Better to look for something based on nvidia, at least they take driver support seriously.
Stan Sieler
re: \"Few will argue that the iPad, like many other Apple products, is utterly gorgeous and easy to use.\"
I think you omitted a \"not\", as in:
\"Few will argue that the iPad, like many other Apple products, is not utterly gorgeous and easy to use.\"
:)
norm
wow finally - they are getting back to the tablet that was the only winner - the Compac Tablet - that which was world class before HP stuffed it up - and this thing even looks like it is using the Compac case...
Well done - about time someone built on the loyal following that Compac had which HP through away.
Harpal Sahota
Specification wise this sounds better than the Ipad. It\'s just unfortunate that Apple have their hands in many \'Application Icon\' producing pies!. Address that, and Apple will be a gerkin!
'Be unique... buy something that will cost less in the longterm, and more future proof.'
Harpal Sahota.